Is Blakeman running? If so, for what?

                                                                          

Bruce Blakeman

Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who doesn't face re-election for three more years, is having another fundraiser tomorrow.

Its $500 a person, at the Hendrick's Tavern in Roslyn. 

But why?

He had a similar fund-raising event a year ago, at the Garden City Hotel,  after defeating incumbent Democrat Laura Curran.

That fundraiser also raised questions about his intentions.

The Nassau Republican party -- a tight-knit organization --- generally frowns on politicians holding fundraisers in years they are not running, taking potential donations away from party candidates who are up for election. This year, Republicans on the county legislature and GOP town supervisors will be running for re-election-- though that isn't until this fall.

But Blakeman often doesn't play by the party rules. For example, he endorsed Democrat Laura Gillen for Hempstead Town Supervisor against Republican incumbent Anthony Santino in 2017.

Speculation last year about his fundraiser was that he was looking for some sort of state office, after he fought against mask mandates for school children imposed by Democratic governor Kathy Hochul.

Now the guess is that he will challenge on U.S. Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat whose term is up next year. 

Gillibrand was absent during the heated campaign for governor last year, but she told Newsday she plans to run for re-election next year.

A race against Gillibrand would cost Blakeman nothing politically. He could remain county executive even while campaigning for senate and he could stay county executive if he loses.

Blakeman tried to run against  Gillibrand in 2010  but lost the Republican primary to Joe DioGuardia.

Here is the invitation: 

                                                                          




 

 

 

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2023 at 4:17 PM

    He has his sight on Governor. That's the word from his staff!

    ReplyDelete

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